Sustainable Ways To Dispose Of Your Mattress
As with any material, its always best to follow the zero-waste hierarchy. In this model, its better to first design products with end-of-life management in mind.
This would involve, for example, building a computer knowing exactly how each of its components will be managed after the computer reaches the end of its usable life. These sustainable product design practices are the manufacturers responsibility. Meliora is an example of how concerned entrepreneurs can develop a business that considers the environmental impact of its products.
As a consumer, your first opportunity to make the greatest impact is to engage in conscious consumerism by reducing your consumption or purchasing products designed with sustainability in mind.
Take Your Mattress To A Recycling Centre
According to the consumer rights organisation Which?, more and more mattress recycling facilities are emerging in the UK. Recycling a mattress is hard work, but these facilities can break the mattress down into its recyclable components. Different agents can then prepare them for reuse, whether theyre melting the mattresssprings and repurposing the metal or theyre making the use of synthetic layers as carpet underlay or as energy for plants. Check your local councils website to find the nearest recycling centre to you and see what materials it accepts and doesnt accept. Note that you always need a vehicle to take items into a recycling centre. Bringing them on foot isnt allowed.
Can You Cut A Mattress In Half For Disposal
There may be certain limits imposed by local ordinances or the dumpster rental provider itself. Typically, wood components such as box springs or a wood frame may be disposed of in a dumpster. Cutting the mattress down reduces the amount of space it takes up and allows you to separate out any recyclable materials before throwing it away.
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Will The Council Collect My Mattress
Most, if not all, local councils offer a collection and disposal service for bulky waste, which includes beds and mattresses. But it can be surprisingly expensive, and theres often no guarantee that your mattress wont end up in landfill many local authorities simply say that they will recycle some or all of the waste where possible.
Some councils, such as Liverpool City Council and a number of London boroughs, offer free bulky-waste collection, but theyre very much in the minority. Most councils charge a fee to collect bulky waste, and it can be expensive Argyll and Bute Council and Wealden District Council charge more than £50 for the service, the London Borough of Richmond charges £62 per collection, for example.
If you live in England or Wales, you can find out how much your council will charge for bulky-waste disposal by typing your postcode into the gov.uk website. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, go to your councils website and search for bulky-waste disposal.
Having the council collect your mattress from your home can be convenient, but make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully. Many councils charge a different price depending on the number of bulky items theyll be collecting, but bear in mind that a bed frame and a mattress will likely count as at least two items. And items will often only be collected if theyre left in a designated spot outside the house.
How To Recycle Air Mattresses
Depending on the material an air mattress is made out of, it may or may not be recyclable. As most are made out of plastic, only some cities, municipalities and waste management programs have the capacity to recycle these materials. Electric air pumps can often be recycled for some of the individual components however these may have to be sorted separately. If you prefer, Junk 4 Good can do all of this work for you. We are more than happy to load, sort and determine what may or may not be recyclable with the local transfer station.
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How Long Should A Mattress Last
Nearly a quarter of Which? members expect a new mattress to last more than a decade, according to a survey of 1,098 members in March 2021. We reckon thats pretty optimistic, not least because there are some common misconceptions about the lifespan of a mattress. A third of members expect a mattress to last around 8-10 years, which is about right.
You might think that a mattress will last longer if its bought as part of a set with a new bed base. But while buying a new bed frame is no guarantee your new mattress will last, using an old or incorrect bed frame with your new mattress certainly isnt going to lengthen its lifespan, and it may well also invalidate your warranty. Take a look at our top 10 bed shopping tips.
If you think spending more on a mattress means it’s likely to last longer, think again. While investing in an expensive mattress will likely mean you get better-quality fabrics and fillings, it’s no guarantee of a longer lifespan. Weve tested £200 Best Buy mattresses that perform better in our durability tests than mattresses costing more than 10 times as much.
How To Dispose Of Old Mattress
Is it time to replace or upgrade your mattress? A mattress generally lasts around 10 years, so you may or may not know exactly what to do with your old mattress. There are a few different options depending on things like: where your new mattress was purchased, where you live, and what your preferences. Well run down the easiest and environmentally friendly ways to get rid of that old mattress. Since close to 15 million mattresses end up in a landfill each year, its essential to take a little extra time to avoid this whenever possible.
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Why We Should Recycle Mattresses Mattress Disposal And Recycling
If possible, we should recycle mattresses for the reasons below:
Can I Take A Mattress To The Tip
In order to get rid of your mattress as soon as possible, you can take it to your local landfill. There are generally a plethora of sites in your neighborhood that will accept your garbage nevertheless, you should contact ahead to check that they accept your specific products.
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Throwing Out Your Mattress
In some cases, you may not be able to donate or recycle your mattress. It may be that your mattress isnt fit for donation, or you cant find a recycling center close enough that will take it. For whatever reason, youre unable to donate, give away, recycle, or upcycle your mattress, theres always the option to throw it out.
However, it is often not as simple as just putting the mattress out on the curb. Many states, cities, and towns have specific ordinances and rules about throwing away mattresses, some of which prohibit putting a whole mattress in the trash. In those places, a curbed mattress may not be picked up on garbage day, and may result in a ticket or a fine.
The rules regarding garbage disposal vary, and you can find the rules for your state and city with a quick Google search. If you live in an area where you can, in fact, throw out a mattress with your regular trash, make sure to carefully read any additional rules to avoid fines and/or pickup refusal. In most places, you will be required to wrap your mattress in plastic, and in some places, you will be required to wrap the mattress in a specially made plastic mattress bag. To be safe, cover your mattress in plastic and seal it shut with packing tape.
For those who cant curb their mattress at all, there are a few other options.
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What Parts Of A Mattress Can Be Recycled
There are many parts of a mattress that can be recycled. Steel springs, wood frames, stuffing, and fabric are all contained in a mattress and can be recycled and reused in different ways.
However, mattresses are too big to be left out for pickup with your regular recycling. Youll need to find a facility that specializes in mattress recycling and transport it there on your own.
If you want to make sure all parts of your old mattress are recycled properly without the need to lift a finger, then our friendly and professional crew at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is the solution for you!
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How Do You Get Rid Of Old Mattresses
It must be destroyed. By cutting around the perimeter of your mattress and peeling away the cover, you can take apart your mattress yourself. Remove the foam and soft materials and wrap them into a compact bundle for disposal. Then, using a saw, break away any wooden constructions that have formed. You may recycle the box springs and other metals by taking them to a recycling facility.
Donate Your Used Mattress To Charity
Check with your local non-profits to see if any will be able to put the mattress to use. Depending on health department regulations in your area, organizations like The Salvation Army and Goodwill might be able to take a used mattress off your hands. Habitat for Humanity, churches, and homeless shelters can also be good places to check. Once youve secured a place that will take your old mattress, book a Dolly to bring your mattress to its new home.
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The Mattress Landfill Crisis: How The Race To Bring Us Better Beds Led To A Recycling Nightmare
As the sleep economy grows, online companies vie to sell us new mattresses, offering 100-day returns. This has helped create an impossible waste mountain and a wild west of rogue recyclers
Mike Scollick and Richard Allsopp are talking about the worst things they ever found in a mattress. We had one where I think a dog had been lying on it, and the whole thing was just jumping with fleas, Allsopp says, shuddering. No one would touch it, so they had to use a cherry picker to move it. But thats not the worst of it, Scollick says: I stripped the cover off one once and it looked like somebody Died, interjects Allsopp.
Its fair to say you need a strong stomach to be in the mattress recycling game. Which Scollick and Allsopp have, along with several million pounds worth of equipment in their Coventry warehouse. I have come to see Circom, their mattress recycling firm, at work. Its a dirty but noble enterprise: Circom is one of only a handful of recyclers tackling the UKs ever-growing mattress problem.
And its not just a British problem. Mattresses are a global environmental nightmare. The US throws away 18.2m mattresses a year, but there are only 56 facilities available to recycle them.
Changing consumer behaviour is behind this ever-growing mattress mountain. Time was, you would change your mattress every eight to 10 years. But with online retailers offering more choice than ever, we have learned to expect better mattresses, and to replace them more frequently.
How Do I Get Rid Of An Old Mattress
If youve purchased your mattress from a brick and mortar store like a furniture or mattress store, you are most likely having the mattress delivered to your home. Nearly every retail store will include the removal of your old mattress in the price of delivery if you desire. Check with the salesperson when you are setting up delivery and make sure they can remove your old mattress. You may also want to check that they follow through with recycling old mattress they pick up and they do not just end up at the dump and then a landfill.
If it is a smaller independent mattress retailer, they may or may not be taking the extra steps to haul mattresses to a recycling center that accepts them. Usually, larger chains are set up to take them to a recycling center where they are disassembled, and whatever parts can be recycled are separated. This is usually a free service or included with delivery costs, and would be the simplest, least complicated way to get rid of that old worn-out mattress. You wont have to wrap or load up a large, heavy mattress, so if this is a possibility save your back and some time. Let the professionals remove it for you.
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Mattress Recycling Service And Junk Removal
Mattress removal service is available in most cities. People get rid of their old mattresses every single day. Because mattress disposal is a common problem, there are actual service companies that will take care of your old mattress for you. A mattress recycling service will charge you, most places charge between $50 and $150 for removal, but they will safely dispose of your mattress and box spring. A mattress removal service is also helpful if you dont have a way to transport your mattress to a recycling center. If you dont have other options, paying to get rid of your mattress is an excellent idea.
Recycling Mattresses With Bedbugs
Mattresses with bedbugs can be recycled at the transfer station and landfilldepending on the level of contaminationfor the mattress recycling fee.
Prepare a mattress with bedbugs for safe transport, handling, and recycling.
Learn about controlling bedbugs External website, opens in new tab in a Vancouver Coastal Health guide.
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Drop Off Your Yard Waste
Richmond Hill residents can drop off their yard waste at the Bloomington Yard Waste Depot located at 1351 Bloomington Road, Richmond Hill. Visit york.ca/wastedepots for hours and fees*.
*Please note that new fees apply as of July 2, 2020.
Where to place your waste in winter
On waste collection days, place your garbage, blue boxes, green bins and/or yard waste away from the curb on the right side of your driveway . This will allow our plows to clear the pile of snow from the bottom of your driveway without disturbing the waste.
Appliance collection Large appliances are collected free of charge by appointment only. Visit the page for details and to schedule your collection. Christmas tree collection
Christmas trees will be collected on your regular waste collection day during the weeks of January 3 and 10, 2022.
Assessing Wear And Tear
To determine the condition of the mattress itself, you should examine all side of the mattress. Look for any tears or holes that could be releasing pressure in the mattress. Holes caused by nails mean your mattress is no longer holding up appropriately. Search the entire mattress for any lumps that may have formed. Sit beside the mattress and look for uneven spots that may be sagging.
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How Many Mattresses Are Thrown Away
Every year, over 20 million mattresses and box springs are disposed of in the United States, with the great majority ending up in landfills or incinerators. Every day, around 55,000 of these items are thrown. 1 During each calendar year, they generate 450 million pounds of garbage and occupy more than 100 million cubic feet of landfill space, respectively.
Who Can Pick Up An Old Mattress
In theory, almost anyone COULD pick up an old mattress, but this could potentially put you and your family at risk. When looking to get rid of an old mattress you want to make sure you call a qualified, experienced and most importantly, an insured company. Many fly-by-night companies are more than happy to remove your items for a fee, however lots of these operations dont carry appropriate insurance or WCB coverage to make sure you, the customer, is protected. Always make sure you ask these questions when hiring a junk removal service.
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Optionally Donate To A Local Charity
If your mattress is still in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity. Many offer free local pick-up for donations. You may also be eligible for a tax deduction for donating your mattress. Contact a local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, ReStore, or homeless shelter to find out more about their donation programs and policies.
How Do I Dispose Of A Mattress
Recycling a mattress is the most efficient and ecologically friendly method of disposing of a mattress. If you throw your mattress in the garbage, it will wind up in a landfill and contribute to the waste generated on the earth. According to the Mattress Recycling Council, mattresses may be recycled in excess of 80% of their original condition.
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The Most Complete Guide To Responsible Mattress Disposal & Understanding Your Options
You just purchased a new mattress and now you need to get rid of your old mattress. You probably want to just dump the mattress by the trash and be done. You might get away with putting your mattress curbside and hoping the city garbage truck will take it, but will most likely, be out of luck or fined. So, how to throw out or how to get rid of an old mattress?
Luckily, you have found the most complete guide to proper mattress disposal. The best options for eco-friendly mattress disposal include donation, recycling, selling, give it away, repair or repurpose it, or you can hire a local junk removal pro. Throwing a mattress in a dumpster is not an environmentally responsible way to get rid of a mattress.
